On Monday, he plans to fly to San Francisco to meet with prominent Democratic fund-raisers.

"I can tell you there was a lot of nervousness two weeks ago," said Georgette Mosbacher, a prominent fund-raiser.

Ms. Mannerud, who herself contributed $80,850 to the Democrats, was described by officials as a "fairly prominent and successful fund-raiser."

Mr. Chung, a prominent Democratic fund-raiser, has figured in several campaign inquiries.

The organization raised several million dollars in the 1996 election cycle and was headed by two prominent Democratic fund-raisers.

Mrs. Harriman is a prominent fund-raiser for Democratic candidates.

Or, as one of the most prominent fund-raisers in New York says, "Face it: money is fungible."

Since the dinner, several prominent Democratic fund-raisers have expressed concern about the library foundation's financial health.

"There's a foot race to get certain people," said one prominent fund-raiser who insisted on anonymity.

"Most people want to be with a winner - and that's going to cost Hart now because he seems very vulnerable," said one prominent Democratic fund-raiser.